The Fastest Street-Legal Electric Car Is a Chevrolet Corvette

It would be easy to assume the Tesla Model S is the fastest electric car in the world. The P90D can, after all, hit 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 155 mph. But no, it doesn't hold the record as the fastest electric car in the world. That record belongs to an electric Corvette called the Genovation eXtreme Electric.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

As shown in this video and verified by the International Mile Racing Association, the GXE was able to hit 186.8 mph.

Could the Tesla Model S P90D—or the potentially upcoming P100D—beat that record if its top speed weren't limited? We're honestly a little surprised that Tesla hasn't tried.

But the GXE is no slouch in the performance department. Its motors produce a combined 700 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to also hit 60 mph in three seconds flat. Its 130-mile range on a single charge isn't too shabby either.

Perhaps the craziest thing about this electric Corvette—other than its $335,000 price tag—is the fact it still uses a manual transmission.

Electric or not, a 700-horsepower Corvette with a manual transmission sounds pretty awesome to us. The GXE might not make the same great Corvette sounds we love, but on the other hand, never having to pay for gas again might be worth it.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Road & Track participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.